OPEN SOURCE

Definition: Open Source can be defined as the software which has freedom to use, view, modify and Share.

Use: It is the freedom for anyone to use the program however they wish. Anyone can download and use them for any purpose, be it business, home or education.

View: It is the freedom to study the source code and change as they wish. Anyone can download the source code and view.

Modify: Freedom to distribute copies of modified programs to others when they wish. Anyone can modify the source code for the betterment of the software and give back to community.

Share: It is the freedom to distribute copies of the program to anyone they wish to share. There is no license restriction on number of computer it can be installed on or number of users.

The key point to be noted in the definition is “Freedom”.  As stated above, open source gives us the freedom to use, view, share and modify. That does not mean there is no price tagged to it. It is free as in freedom, not to price.

Gratis versus Libre:

“Free software means free speech”. Free is very loosely used word in English. To have a profound understanding we need to look into the distinction between “Gratis” and “Libre” (closely related to liberty). Gratis means, “for zero price” and libre means, “with little or no restrictions”. The latter is applicable when said “free software”.

"Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of free as in free speech, not as in free beer."   — Richard Stallman

Open source strongly encourages copying and modification. But, any improvement should be given back to community without any restriction. In case of “free soup” analogy, you get to drink the soup, view the recipe, share the soup with your friend maybe and change the recipe to suit your taste.